Our new 200ltr community

[SYNiC]

Today our new 200ltr tank/stand arrived. It is a black Jebo R390 (200ltr). It was purchased new in the box for AU$250 (RRP AU$799+). The standard equipment is a 900LPH powerhead, with built in mechanical and biological filteration (foam & bio balls ceramic noodles) in the hood, and 3x20W T8 fluros @ 10000k.

This is my 1st serious attempt at the aquarium hobby, after maintaining a small 35ltr tank for the last 18 months. Only recently have I started using live plants, and thankfully they are of the hardy variety, with good results.

I may set up a canister if the standard filter is not up to the job down the track, and see how the light goes also. I'm planing on using hardy plants that wont require much WPG ie: Amazon Swords, Wisteria etc. If need be, I will replace the tubes for some higher wattage units.

On order to be delivered this week are;

• Fluval Tronic 200w heater (was going the 2x100W option, but decided not)

• 24" vacuum

• Large magnet

• Thermometer

• 24" Double sided background

Other bits and pieces I have around the house will also be used in the set-up. I still have to sort out what substrate I'm going to use, I was planning on using sand, but don't think I will now. I'm undecided on fine white or black gravel.

As mentioned the tank will be planted (no CO2), and will house a mixed community of Angles, Dwarf Gouramis, and a few others, namely Tetras, & a Bristlenose or two.

Other things I have are some pieces of driftwood.

The stand and tank was set-up today, but that is as far as I have got, as I have to buy some substrate, and await the arrival of the new heater before I can progress.

The tank will be located where we currently have our 35ltr planted established tank, so this requires a water change, relocating the old tank (to be used as a Tetra community), and setting up the new tank.

I'm going to use water & filter media from the established 35ltr to kick off the new tank, until it is fully cycled (fishless).

I'll start adding plenty of pics as soon as I have the tank in place and I'm ready to start the fun part...

Thanks for reading, and keep tuned

[MVP]

Sounds good

One thing i found as i have a aquaone AR980 which has a similar filter i believe with a drip into a tray up the top via a spray bar? Well if it does one thing you may find is that the spray bar on top will clog with plant matter. This is what i found with mine...

And my hats off to you for maintaining a 35L tank for 18months without buying anything bigger or giving up on the hobby

[SYNiC]

Yes, that is the filter set-up as well, the Aquaone & Jebo units are pretty similar. My brother in-law who got me the tank has a 395ltr Jebo, and he already warned me about the spray bar filling up with gunk. I'll just give it a good clean every now and then. I still have to debur the holes in it, as they are pretty rough at the moment.

Other than that I think the filter should be ok @ 900lph, as long as I don't go overstocking.

It's like Christmas has come early

Any advice on what substrate to use?. I'd really like to use sand, but not sure on keeping it maintained, using a soil base under it etc... I'll read into it a bit more over the coming days before I go buying something.

Cheers,

Michael.

[robdog013]

I would go coral sand, it looks great is very clean and buffers your pH

[SYNiC]

I would go coral sand, it looks great is very clean and buffers your pH

Is that 'crushed coral/shell'? I saw some at the shop yesterday, it was $49.95 for 15kg!. It looked good, but I assumed it was for marine set-ups.

I was thinking about maybe using childrens play sand, but unsure if I should have another layer of substrate under it for nutrients as I'm not planning on using C02. The other concern with sand is anaerobic pockets, and the negative effects associated with it.

Keep the ideas coming. The negative of living in a regional area, is lack of stock/product (and price). I'm going for a drive on Tuesday to Forster to check out some aquariums out there. The missus wants me to get it all set-up, so I can get it out of the middle of the room.

[oakes]

Personally i would have reservations about using coral sand or other alkaline/buffering substrate in a tank containing soft water species like angels & tetras. I am not very experienced with planted tanks so not sure about the benefits of soil underlay. As for gravels i use a medium black gravel because i like the appearance and ease of maintenance. I have found fine gravels and sands harder to maintain. Having said that a fine sand substrate can look beautiful and very natural. Minimising the depth of substrate might be one way of avoiding anaerobic pockets.

[JLL]

Coral sand will buffer the water well for some setups but not for a planted tank. Most plants prefer neutral to slightly acidic water, most will not do too well in a pH of 8.

If you could be bothered or want to spend the money then get a decent plant substrate and cover this with a fine gravel. You may decide to use CO2 in the future and wont need to redesign the tank. The other alternative is to add some root tabs to normal substrate every six months or so which should be ample if you don't want to be too high tech.

It will depend on the plants you are using but many rooted aquarium plants are adapted to oxygen poor substrates (think about mud in the wild). They are able to translocate oxygen produced during photosynthesis from the leaves to the other plant parts via specialised structures (aerenchyma). This enables the roots to respire aerobically in much the same way that some swamp plants operate and releases oxygen into the substrate to help guard against toxic compounds.

If you plant pretty thickly (and the plants do well) then you should find that the plants buffer the water to 6.5 or so. My 150L planted tank is well and truly overstocked with no buffering capacity apart from from the plants. The pH is always close to neutral and everything is thriving.

Cheers

John

[SYNiC]

Thanks for the replies folks.

My new heater and other bits and pieces arrived today, so it's just a matter of sorting out the substrate and it should be good to add water & start the cycle.

Root tabs may be the way to go. Another option is liquid ferts, I haven't had experience with either.

I also have to buy a new light globe, as my brother in-law broke one when he put his hand through the box that had the hood in it. So I'm down to 2x20W at the moment. Would it hurt buying a higher watt globe to bump the WPG up a fraction, or should I stick with the 20W. What I mean to ask is, will it be hazardous, ie: would I have to change the starter for the higher watt globe?.

I'll just wait and see what I can find in the way of gravel/soil etc.

I have 4mm red rock (I think it's called that, it's a mix of natural brownish gravel) in my 10G. I'd like something a little finer in the Jebo, probably something like 3mm.

Once again, thanks for all your input, my cranium is slowly absorbing it all.

[MVP]

Oakes is right about the coral sand.... Its the last thing you want to put in a planted tank The biggest problem with sand or very fine gravel is if you use a gravel vac to get out the nasties from your gravel as sometimes these types of substrate like to follow the crap. 3mm Black Gravel always looks good as it lays a nice solid coloured floor for your plants colours to contrast against.

Red Sea Root tablets work well, the only thing is i found that they caused my gravel to clump... It may have just been my experience but was most annoying when i was using my gravel vac to find these rock hard clumps that took some effort to break. I also used Flourish by seachem and found this to be really good but be very careful not to overdose as from what i remember i was told too much is very bad for your fish.

Also before you buy a new globe consider reading up on planted aquariums and you might be able to get a good idea as to what globe would be really good for your plants could save you replacing one later

Also on the fish you were talking about tetras and Angels don't mix that great. Angels are known for being rather aggressive. They look nice but you will find yourself with a large wall of posters with "Missing" or "Have you seen my fish" on them and a picture of your little tetras. A nicely planted tank really looks great with shoals of smaller fish as opposed to a couple of different species. Smaller species also work well with planted aquariums as well because they are less likely to disrupt your substrate. The other good thing about smaller species is your less likely to come down with "big tank syndrome" and wont feel every couple of months like you need a larger tank

Other then that can't wait to see what you come up with.

[SYNiC]

Thanks for your advice mate I really appreciate it.

I think Angels will be ok with some of the Tetras I'm planning on using. I know that the Angles like to munch on small neons, I was hoping on having some rummynose, cardinals etc. From what I have read they should be ok with Angles. The brother in-law has about 4 or 5 large Angels with Discus (also a said no no by some), and they are fine together with Congos & Rummynose and a few others. He even has some Tiger Barbs in there, and he said he has no problems with the Barbs nipping at fancy fins. I think it just comes down to the individual fish.

But like you said, I don't want to fill it with large fish, I'd prefer a few shoals of smaller fish. I will have maybe 3 Angels as features, and stock the rest with Tetras. Also the Angels will be juveniles, so that may help the Tetras to get a growing start in the tank. I'd like a pair of Dwarf Gouramis also, I love the colors in the males. And my baby Bristlenose also will make home in the new tank.

Re the lighting: I'll have a read around and see what I can find out. I know I should be running at least 2.5WPG, over 200ltrs=125W (If I worked that out right @ 50G=200ltr). :/

Nowhere near the standard 60W that is supplied with the Jebo. I have been running 1.5WPG over 10G with decent results (albeit some basic hardy plants), so I'll just see how things go for the time being.

Cheers,

Michael.

[robdog013]

oops sorry I thought we were talking about a malawi set-up

[MVP]

Just dont come up with great pictures of your tank... I'm already half sold on making a planted aquarium the last thing i need is more encouragement from someone who took the time to make something really good

[SYNiC]

I'll try to take as bad a photo as I can.

[SYNiC]

Went out today and got some gravel. I was almost going to get some 3mm natural brown that one shop had, then I ended up getting this;

4x10kg Bags ultra fine quartz gravel (I probably could of got away with 3 bags but oh well, it gives me something to play with as I want to have it pretty deep in the back of the tank).

Some other bits 'n pieces that arrived;

• Fluval Tronic 200W

• 24" vacuum

• 24" double sided background (thinking I should have got a D/S black & blue one? - maybe later)

• Thermometer

• Floating magnet cleaner

• Airline tubing (may not need it, powerhead has venturi hose)

I still have to get the lighting sorted yet (I forgot to look for tubes while I was out - I'll put that down to shopping with the Mrs. & mother in-law )

Now it's just a matter of moving the 10G, putting the Jebo in its place, washing the gravel and start filling it (and prey it doesn't fall through the floor boards!)

I'll try to take some more pics as I put it all together (sorry 56kers - but it is 2007 )

Cheers,

Michael.

[MVP]

If im not mistaken doesnt quartz raise ph? Could someone experienced please set this straight If it does could prove a problem with a planted aquarium... May mean you have to go Africans :D what a shame... I've got plenty of those so you can't really convince me with a great looking tank of those

[SYNiC]

If im not mistaken doesnt quartz raise ph? Could someone experienced please set this straight If it does could prove a problem with a planted aquarium... May mean you have to go Africans :D what a shame... I've got plenty of those so you can't really convince me with a great looking tank of those

Don't quote me on that, it says nothing on the packaging, that was just my attempt at an uneducated guess.

My ph has been getting a little low of late, I think the last reading I took was closer to 6.0-6.2.

None the less thanks for the heads up, I'll see what I can find out.

[mithendore]

yes quartz does rasie your pH but not as bad a coral sand would have. If your going to have drift wood in your tank as well this will lower your pH. If you go for a Co2 addition later this can also lower your pH.

hope this helps

mithendore

[SYNiC]

yes quartz does rasie your pH but not as bad a coral sand would have. If your going to have drift wood in your tank as well this will lower your pH. If you go for a Co2 addition later this can also lower your pH.

hope this helps

mithendore

Yeah, I have been reading a little on it, it shouldn't raise it to high, and like you said, I'm planning on using some drift wood in there.

Thanks for the info, I guess I'll just use it and see how it goes.

[JLL]

I would not be concerned too much about quartz altering the pH of your water, it is pretty inert in water.

p.s. pure quartz is silicone dioxide, and most of your fish tank will be made up of the same.

[SYNiC]

I would not be concerned too much about quartz altering the pH of your water, it is pretty inert in water.

p.s. pure quartz is silicone dioxide, and most of your fish tank will be made up of the same.

Yeah I have been told the same thing by a few others.

"Quartz is silica, and generally contains no calcium, so I can't see why it would raise PH."

Thanks for your input.

I have finally moved the 10G, placed the 200L in it's place, washed & added gravel (no substrate under it, think I'll just try some root tabs or liquid ferts for now). The ceramic noodles and filter media are in, water is running and the heater is on.

I'll give it a rest for now, I've had enough for one day. I'll do a water change on the 10G and add the water to the Jebo, as well as grab a piece or two of filter media from the 10G to kick things off.

I only ended up using 2 of the 4 bags of gravel so far, I don't think I'll need much more - if any.

And it hasn't fallen through the floor (touch wood).

The water is pretty cloudy, but I'm hoping it will settle over the next day or two. Maybe I should throw some carbon in the filter box to help it out?.

Thanks for reading.

[fongyfong]

is that 250 new with stand? if so where abouts did you get it from? cos thats super cheap!!

[oakes]

The cloudiness is normal and i wouldn’t be concerned at all. I doubt if carbon would be of any worthwhile benefit. It looks good by the way. The only thing i would have done different is to use black paint or background on the rear, but that’s just a personal preference. Please post another photo after it is cycled and stocked.

[MVP]

Yeah looks like you did a decent job at cleaning the gravel too Only other thing i would have done is put your ornaments or plants in before filling the tank all the way its alot less water on the floor that way Normally i go about halfway.

Looks like you wont be disappointed though Looks the goods.

[KIMO]

I can't wait to see it all going.

I think the background you've chosen will blend in nicely with the wood and plants you're intending to setup. (personally i think this is a good choice), however i can understand why some guys like a black background as it highlights what's in your tank and really shows off your fish's and plants/decor's colour really well.

One final thing.....I think your cleaning magnet is inside out. ( handle is inside the tank). Maybe it's double ended or is this the design??? It may make a difference with the surface texture of the magnet ie. one side smooth, normally for outside and one side a bit more coarse, generally for inside to scrape away algae.

Cheers and good job so far.

KimO.

[SYNiC]

is that 250 new with stand? if so where abouts did you get it from? cos thats super cheap!!

I know somebody that works for a Jebo wholesaler in Sydney.

The only thing i would have done different is to use black paint or background on the rear, but that’s just a personal preference.

I thought about this after the background arrived. I thought blue would look good also from other pics I'd seen. Maybe I will get a double sided black/blue one down the track.

Only other thing i would have done is put your ornaments or plants in before filling the tank all the way its alot less water on the floor that way Normally i go about halfway.

I thought about this also, but in the end I just wanted to get water in, and be done for the day. I still have to get drift wood, root tabs/ferts and probably a bunch of plants (I only have 1 Amazon and some Wysteria at the moment). Luckily at 6'4", my arms can reach the bottom of the tank without the need for a ladder.

One final thing.....I think your cleaning magnet is inside out. ( handle is inside the tank). Maybe it's double ended or is this the design??? It may make a difference with the surface texture of the magnet ie. one side smooth, normally for outside and one side a bit more coarse, generally for inside to scrape away algae.

The magnet is in the correct way, smooth felt side to the outside (to prevent scratching), and coarse (almost velcro like) side inside to scrape algae, as you said. It's just the design of the magnet.

I put some media from the 10g in the filter and will add some water from the 10g in a few days (I had to empty 50% of the 10g to move it, and I was a little short on buckets so I couldn't keep it )

Thanks for the kind comments, I'll keep you updated when something more exciting is happening.

On a final note MVP, how do you have the media set-up in your Aquaone? Do you have the noodles on the bottom, with the filter pads over them and the spray bar over the filter pads?. I didn't get any instructions about that with it. I assumed this was the way to do it?.

Cheers,

Michael.